Junior Graphic Designer (Stage)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer (Stage)

Company: Testbusters

Location: Via Marco Ulpio Traiano 17, Milano, Lombardia, Italy

Job Type: Stagista (Intern)

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-29

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This is an intern-level position within the Marketing team, focusing on visual content creation and brand asset management.

• The role involves direct support to the Lead Designer and collaboration with the broader student community.

• Responsibilities span digital and social media asset creation, merchandise design, corporate presentation development, and brand guideline adherence.

• A strong emphasis is placed on practical project experience and a portfolio showcasing visual identity and layout composition skills.

• The position offers a hybrid work arrangement with a focus on mentorship and real-world impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is an internship ("Stage" in Italian) focused on graphic design within a marketing context. The "Operations" aspect here pertains to the operational execution of marketing and brand strategies through visual design, rather than traditional revenue or sales operations. The candidate will be responsible for the operational delivery of creative assets that support marketing campaigns and community engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and layout of visual content for social media channels (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn), including specialized assets for paid campaigns and blog/article covers.

• Drive brand engagement through visually compelling digital assets and monitor their performance.

• Ideate and develop physical materials, event setups, and branded merchandise for the community and live events.

• Create and format impactful presentations and corporate reports for both B2B and B2C communications.

• Assist in the management, application, and governance of the Testbusters Design System across all digital and physical touchpoints.

• Perform basic video/motion content adaptation and post-production for social media formats (Reels, TikTok).

• Support daily creative asset management using tools like Canva, Capcut, and Premiere Pro.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational support for marketing initiatives. The emphasis on "community-first" projects and merchandise design indicates a need for understanding target audience engagement through visual mediums. The "Brand Governance & Guideline" responsibility points to an operational aspect of maintaining brand consistency.

✅ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Completed or ongoing studies in Graphic Design, Communication Design, Visual Design, or a related field.

• Academic or personal projects demonstrating end-to-end project management from brainstorming to physical realization are highly valued. Experience:

• While formal experience is not the primary focus, practical project development is essential.

• Demonstrated ability to manage a visual identity comprehensively, including typographic hierarchy, grids, and layout composition. Required Skills:

• Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

• Strong understanding of visual identity principles, typography, grid systems, and layout composition.

• Empathy and ability to understand and translate the language of students and young people into fresh, contemporary visual design.

• Proactive attitude, eagerness to learn, precision, and ability to work synergistically within a team.

• Ability to accept feedback and commit to continuous daily growth.

• Basic proficiency in content creation and adaptation tools like Canva and Capcut. Preferred Skills:

• Basic knowledge of Figma and Blender.

• Foundational skills in video editing and basic motion graphics (After Effects).

• Digital illustration skills using chosen software.

• Curiosity towards generative AI tools applied to graphic workflows (e.g., Midjourney, Photoshop Firefly).

• Personal experience or strong interest in community building and event management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "well-structured portfolio" (even academic/personal) is a key differentiator. This portfolio needs to showcase not just aesthetic skill but also the process and strategy behind visual design decisions, aligning with operational execution. The "community connection" requirement is crucial for this specific company's outreach strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase projects that demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of visual identity development.

• Include examples of effective typographic hierarchy and grid system application in layouts.

• Present a clear process from initial concept/brainstorming through to final execution.

• Highlight projects where the candidate managed a visual identity across multiple touchpoints. Process Documentation:

• For each project in the portfolio, be prepared to articulate the design process, including research, ideation, iteration, and finalization.

• Demonstrate how the candidate approached client (or internal stakeholder) feedback and incorporated it into the design workflow.

• Be ready to discuss the rationale behind design choices, linking them to project objectives and target audience engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship, the portfolio requirement is paramount and serves as the primary indicator of operational capability. It needs to demonstrate the candidate's structured approach to design challenges, not just the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €800 per month (full-time)

Benefits:

• Meal vouchers: €8 per day (usable even when working remotely).

• Discounts and concessions on psychotherapy services.

• Discounts and concessions on medical and dental services.

• Mentorship and continuous training provided by the Lead Designer.

• Exposure to real-world projects with significant impact across Italy.

• Access to a young and dynamic Marketing team environment.

• Office amenities including equipped kitchen, billiards, ping pong, coffee, biscuits, and snacks. Working Hours:

• Full-time, with flexibility.

• 2-5 days of mandatory office presence per month; remaining days can be worked remotely.

• Adherence to two availability windows (10:00-12:30 and 14:30-17:30).

• Respect for the right to disconnect (20:00-08:00).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is typical for an internship ("Stage") in Italy. The hybrid work model, with specific office day requirements and availability windows, defines the operational framework for this role. The benefits are tailored to support well-being and professional development, aligning with the company's culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech), focused on university admission test preparation.

Company Size: Over 1000 people (including student-teachers and collaborators), described as a "Community Based" company.

Founded: Since 2023, Testbusters has expanded internationally to the UK, assisting students applying to Oxford and Cambridge. The company's motto is "studenti per gli studenti" (students for students), indicating an informal, courageous, and competent approach.

Team Structure:

• The Junior Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing Team.

• They will work closely with and report directly to the Lead Designer.

• Collaboration extends to the wider "Community of students-teachers" and the Marketing Team.

• The company promotes a horizontal (non-hierarchical) structure where proposals and creativity are valued. Methodology:

• Testbusters believes in a more engaging and targeted learning and teaching method, based on peer-to-peer learning and genuine interaction between teachers and students.

• The company culture is informal, courageous, and competent.

• Emphasis on continuous improvement and innovation.

• Data-driven evaluation of performance based on skills, behaviors, and objectives.

Company Website: [Company URL - inferred from source domain: testbusters.it]

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Community Based" nature is central to Testbusters' identity. The operations of the marketing team must align with this ethos, focusing on authentic engagement and understanding the student demographic. The international expansion indicates a growing, dynamic operational environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Intern (Stage) - Entry-level position within the Marketing and Design function.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Lead Designer, with cross-functional collaboration within the Marketing Team and the broader student community.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is operationalizing marketing strategies through visual design. The created assets directly influence brand perception, community engagement, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns across Italy and potentially internationally.

Growth Opportunities:

• Mentorship & Skill Development: Direct guidance from the Lead Designer for continuous learning of operational and strategic skills in graphic design.

• Real-World Project Exposure: Opportunity to see designs implemented and used by thousands of students, providing tangible proof of impact.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working within a dynamic marketing team and with a unique "student-teacher" community.

• Potential for Specialization: Exposure to various design applications (social media, merchandise, presentations, basic motion graphics) could lead to specialization.

• International Exposure: Involvement in an expanding international group.

📝 Enhancement Note: This internship is positioned as a development opportunity. The "growth" is framed around learning directly from experienced professionals and gaining practical, impactful experience, rather than immediate career advancement into management. The operational aspect of growth involves mastering design tools and processes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid model with a physical headquarters in Milan.

Office Location(s): Headquarter located at Via Marco Ulpio Traiano, 17, Milan.

Workspace Context:

• The Milan office is described as the "Headquarter" and includes amenities like an equipped kitchen, billiards, ping pong, and readily available coffee, biscuits, and snacks.

• The environment is young, stimulating, energetic, and innovative, fostering collaboration and idea-sharing.

• The hybrid setup requires self-discipline and effective time management for remote work days.

• Designated availability windows ensure team communication and collaboration. Work Schedule:

• Full-time commitment, with flexibility.

• 2-5 days per month required at the Milan office.

• The remaining days can be worked remotely.

• Strict adherence to defined availability times and the right to disconnect is emphasized, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key operational feature. Successful candidates must be adept at managing their workflow remotely while ensuring necessary in-person collaboration and availability during core hours. The office environment is designed to be a hub for collaboration and team building.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely based on resume and portfolio review, focusing on alignment with required skills and academic background.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, explaining the rationale, process, and impact of selected projects. This is a crucial step to assess operational thinking and design strategy.

• Skills/Situational Interview: Questions related to design problem-solving, collaboration, and understanding of the Testbusters community.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of proactivity, teamwork, and alignment with the company's informal and community-focused culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best showcase your visual identity, typography, layout, and process skills. Prioritize projects demonstrating end-to-end development.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief/objective, your role, the design process (ideation, iteration, tools used), challenges faced, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your workflow. Show sketches, mood boards, wireframes, or early concepts if available. This demonstrates operational thinking.

• Show Versatility: Include examples across different mediums if possible (digital social, print, merchandise concepts).

• Tailor to Testbusters: If possible, include a personal project or concept that shows your understanding of the student community and Testbusters' brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential small design task or a case study discussion related to creating assets for the Testbusters community.

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to quickly grasp a brief, apply brand guidelines, and propose creative solutions within constraints.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, particularly how they serve the marketing objective and resonate with the target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component. The interview process will heavily rely on assessing the candidate's ability to translate creative concepts into tangible, well-executed visual assets, reflecting operational proficiency in design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop (required proficiency).

• Canva: For quick social media asset creation and adaptation.

• Capcut: For basic video editing and post-production of short-form content.

• Adobe Premiere Pro: For more structured video editing tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, expect to see how your designs perform on social media or in campaigns, implying a need to understand basic analytics related to engagement. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how assets are deployed through marketing channels might be beneficial. Additional Tools (Nice to Have):

• Figma: For collaborative design and prototyping.

• Blender: For potential 3D elements or visualizations.

• After Effects: For motion graphics and more advanced video editing.

• Generative AI Tools: Midjourney, Photoshop Firefly (for exploring AI in creative workflows).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Suite is a baseline requirement. Familiarity with Canva and Capcut indicates the need for efficient, rapid content creation for social media. The "nice to have" tools suggest the company is open to modern design workflows and potentially exploring new technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community-Centric: All design efforts should resonate with and serve the student community.

• Informal & Courageous: Encourages bold ideas and a departure from traditional corporate aesthetics.

• Competent & Professional: Despite the informal atmosphere, a high standard of skill and execution is expected.

• Collaborative & Supportive: Emphasis on teamwork, mutual support, and continuous learning.

• Innovative & Energetic: A dynamic environment that values new ideas and approaches.

Collaboration Style:

• Horizontal structure where all ideas are heard and valued.

• Direct collaboration with the Lead Designer for mentorship and feedback.

• Active participation in a young and dynamic Marketing Team.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design processes.

• Team building activities are regularly organized to foster cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is heavily influenced by its "student for students" ethos. Operations within the marketing team must reflect this by being approachable, creative, and focused on authentic connection with the target audience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Guidelines: Maintaining a fresh, contemporary style while adhering to the Testbusters Design System.

• Rapid Content Creation: Producing a high volume of diverse assets for multiple social media platforms and campaigns.

• Translating Community Language: Effectively capturing the voice and aesthetic preferences of the student demographic in visual designs.

• Hybrid Work Management: Successfully coordinating work and collaboration between remote and in-office days.

• Learning New Tools/Technologies: Adapting to new software and generative AI tools as they are integrated into the workflow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Direct Mentorship: Working closely with the Lead Designer provides invaluable hands-on learning and career guidance.

• Practical Skill Acquisition: Gaining experience with a wide range of design tasks and industry-standard software.

• Industry Exposure: Understanding the operational aspects of marketing and brand management within the EdTech sector.

• Portfolio Building: Creating impactful projects that can significantly enhance a professional portfolio.

• Networking: Connecting with a large community of students and professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth. The role is designed to expose interns to real-world pressures and demands, fostering resilience and adaptability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project from your portfolio where you had to develop a visual identity from scratch. What was your process, and what challenges did you overcome?" (Assesses design process and problem-solving).

• "How would you adapt a corporate presentation to be more engaging for a student audience?" (Tests understanding of audience adaptation and creative application).

• "Imagine we need to create merchandise for an upcoming Testbusters event. What types of items would you consider, and how would you approach the design?" (Evaluates creativity, community understanding, and practical application). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Testbusters and our 'student for students' approach?" (Assesses cultural fit and genuine interest).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Probes teamwork and willingness to learn).

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you manage your time in a hybrid setting." (Gauges self-management and understanding of the work arrangement). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: Don't just show the final image. Explain the problem, your thinking, and how you arrived at the solution. Use visuals like sketches or mood boards.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic work, discuss the intended impact or how you measured success.

• Be Concise and Clear: Practice presenting each project within 2-3 minutes.

• Showcase Versatility: Highlight projects that demonstrate a range of skills (typography, layout, branding).

• Connect to Testbusters: Explain why your skills and approach are a good fit for their community-focused mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely assess not only technical design skills but also the candidate's ability to think strategically about how design serves marketing objectives, resonates with a specific audience, and aligns with Testbusters' unique culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Personio link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a link to a website or a well-organized PDF) and clearly highlights projects demonstrating visual identity development, layout composition, and typographic skills. Tailor the selection to showcase relevance to social media, merchandise, and presentation design.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your educational background in design and any relevant projects or academic achievements. Use keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Suite," "Visual Identity," "Typography," and "Social Media Assets."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process for portfolio projects. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the Testbusters community and how your visual design approach aligns with their brand. Prepare to answer questions about teamwork and your learning objectives.

• Company Research: Understand Testbusters' mission, target audience (students preparing for university admissions), and their "student for students" philosophy. Familiarize yourself with their existing visual communication on social media.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.